If you are pondering a vacation in Greece this summer, wait no longer. Greece has so many diverse aspects that provide something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are a history buff or prefer a quiet vacation lounging on the beach or maybe you are looking for an alternative extreme sport-filled vacation — whatever your pleasure, Greece is sure to please! Let’s look at the top ten reasons why you should visit Greece this summer.
1. Sweets Made with Greek Honey
It’s summertime, you’re on vacation – it’s time to indulge in some Greek sweets! There are so many desserts to select from while visiting Greece so let’s narrow it down to sweets made with Greek honey.
Some of the most typical and traditional desserts made with honey are found on the Greek islands where you can sample everything from honey pies to dumplings, which are a fried thin pastry with honey. Also, popular treats are pasteli, or sesame seeds and honey bars and loukoumades which are Greece’s version of fried doughnuts and honey.
Some other sweets worth checking out are sweet cheese pies made with honey as well as melekounia, a traditional sweet you will find in Rhodes. Of course, the famous dessert, baklava, is also made with honey and is something you need to eat at least once in a lifetime!
2. The Greek Islands
There are many Greek islands that are ideal for a family vacation. Whether you are traveling with young children or your Grandparents, family vacations in Greece can be amazing and unforgettable experiences. You just need to know where to go, so let’s look at some top destinations.
1. Kokkini Hani, Crete offers different hotels with pools and seafront as well as great activities for the whole family to enjoy!
2. Agios Nikolaos, Crete offers a variety of sights and nearby beaches with shallow, calm waters ideal for young and old alike.
3. Corfu, Ionian Islands offers great beaches, history and is budget friendly.
4. Zakynthos, Ionian Islands offers great beaches and is great for social teenagers.
5. Milos, Cyclades offers a chance to explore the sea, perfect for confident swimmers of all ages!
3. Beaches
Greece is a number one destination for vacation-goers wishing to relax, visit ancient ruins and beautiful beaches the country has to offer and recently, it has been ranked number two in the world on the 2017 Blue Flag quality award list. The country that took first place was Spain.
The Blue Flag is given to countries as an eco-label, and this year 486 beaches and 12 marinas in Greece were honored with the award, with the Halkidiki peninsula winning the most flags with 71 of its beaches selected.
4. History
You can visit so many ruins in Greece that there too many to list. Obviously, the big ones, like the Acropolis and Knossos are must-sees. But one of the most enchanting things about Greece is that you can be walking down a street and stumble across a fenced off area of antiquity!
Or, if you want to experience ancient ruins in a really cool and unique way, why not swim with the backdrop of the Ancients? check out the beach at the Ancient Ruins of Heraion of Perachora, Corinthian Gulf or the Ruins of Agios Stefanos Basilica in the Kefalos Bay, Kos for some great beaches off the beaten path and boasting spectacular views!
5. Bike Rides
Greece is the perfect place to ride a bike or rent a scooter. One of the best ways to explore the islands of Greece is by scooter. For around 15 euros a day you can go where you want, when you want and visit intimate and remote destinations off the beaten path of typical tours.
Many companies offer scooter rentals to visiting tourists as the islands are the ideal setting to enjoying yourself and taking a ride. They all have different insurance policies so be sure that you know your options and what documents are needed before you rent a scooter in Greece. When you are looking for an alternative perspective of the Greek islands, plot out a route and take a scooter trip on the less traveled roads. For more information about driving laws and insurance look here.
6. Culture
Whether you go to a taverna that serves up traditional Greek dishes or a bouzouki club to enjoy traditional Greek music, you will find that there are tons of ways to engulf yourself in the Greek culture.
If you want to try something different on your Grecian holiday you should consider taking some cooking classes while visiting! It’s the perfect way to get to Know about the culture and history of one of the most vital elements to Greek society — food!
7. Nature
Greece has everything from bears to monk seals that attract animal and nature lovers. Also, the flora and fauna of Greece is as unique as the country itself. Greece has over 132 regions vitally important for the vegetation of flora and fauna and almost 20 botanical “paradises” with rare flora. A perfect way to pass the day with the nature of Greece is by going on one of the many hiking trails which you will find all over the country that allow you to relax and enjoy nature.
Many times, there are also camping grounds as well where you can set up tent and camp out in nature.
8. Sports and Fitness Vacations
Fitness fans and athletes of all genres find that there is much more to the mainland of Greece and its surrounding islands than meets the eye.
For example, did you know that the Peloponnese region of Greece has two of the best hiking trails in all of Greece in this region? Don’t miss hiking Menalon Trail in Arcadia and the monasteries of Panagia Eleona and Prophet Elias.
Check out Chios for scuba diving. In 2016 it was named one of the top 10 best scuba diving sites in Europe by the international diving website, divein.com.
There are many companies that offer special group and individual packages for paragliding in Lefkada. The winds are perfect in this region of Greece for amazing paragliding all year round. The island is also known for other sports activities such as hiking, rafting, scuba diving, or canyoning.
9. Weather
There are over 300 days of sunny weather in Greece so it is the perfect place to plan your summer holiday as you are sure to not be disappointed by rain or clouds!
Greece does heat up in the summer, so be sure to be prepared for your outings by having adequate water and sun block as well as light, airy clothes packed in your suitcase. Don’t forget swimwear, because you will be sorely tempted to dip into the sparkling turquoise sea!
10. The Unique Experience that is Greece
The best reason for you to visit Greece this summer is that the country is like no other. You will find great hospitality, delicious food and unique experiences everywhere you turn — all in the heart of antiquity. Everyone should experience Greece at least once in a lifetime!
Source: greece.greekreporter.com